Editorial: Ask questions now, make the ballot better

It took a lawsuit, court hearings and map changes but Orange County finally has legislative districts ready for the next election. The maps seem to meet state and federal guidelines ensuring that people in the county have a fair chance to elect people who will truly represent them in Goshen. Now, candidates have to hit the roads and sidewalks to gather petitions and get on the ballot.

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recordonline.com

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Posted Jun. 17, 2013 at 12:35 PM

Posted Jun. 17, 2013 at 12:35 PM

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It took a lawsuit, court hearings and map changes but Orange County finally has legislative districts ready for the next election. The maps seem to meet state and federal guidelines ensuring that people in the county have a fair chance to elect people who will truly represent them in Goshen. Now, candidates have to hit the roads and sidewalks to gather petitions and get on the ballot.

While this seems like the time for party regulars to get involved, Orange County voters have a chance and even an obligation to ask questions and get answers before they put their names on nominating petitions. In the past, many might have signed out of party loyalty or merely out of courtesy to help give somebody a chance to run. With all that has gone on — and all that hasn't — in the county Legislature over the past two years, voters now more than ever need to make sure that they are getting what they want and deserve in a county legislator.

Before signing, a few simple questions are in order. What does the prospective candidate think of the plans for the Government Center in Goshen? Replace, repair, renovate or some combination? Any candidate that does not have a good idea of what needs to be done after all this time does not deserve to be on the ballot, let alone be elected.

And what about the Valley View nursing home? Sell it or keep it? What can be done to keep up the quality of care, whether that comes from a new owner or the county? And what can be done to make the facility more affordable should the county keep it?

While they are at it, residents should ask potential candidates what they think of this whole election district mess and what part they played in it.

The quest for a representative and responsive Legislature starts now and residents need to make sure that when they vote in November, they have good choices to make.